What Is Alpha Testnet?

The Alpha Testnet is the early testing phase of the Datagram Network. It provides a controlled, real-world environment where the infrastructure can be evaluated before the official mainnet launch. During this phase, developers, node operators, and early contributors participate in stress-testing the platform to ensure stability, scalability, and accurate reward tracking.

The goal is to validate all core components—including the Datagram Core Substrate (DCS), Hyper Network Layer, and the Network Operations Center (NOC)—under real usage conditions. Contributors in this phase earn non-transferable points, which serve as proof of participation and will later influence token allocation ($DGRAM) and reward tiers on the mainnet.

Why the Alpha Testnet Matters

This phase plays a critical role in shaping the reliability, security, and performance of the network. It allows the development team to observe how Datagram performs when used by a distributed group of participants across different regions and environments. By involving real users, the Alpha Testnet helps identify technical issues, uncover optimization opportunities, and ensure that all major components—like routing, node coordination, and reward tracking—function correctly.

Who Can Participate

The Alpha Testnet is open to anyone who wants to contribute to Datagram's early development. This includes independent node operators, DePIN projects interested in testing integration with the Datagram Core Substrate, and developers building decentralized applications that rely on bandwidth, compute, or storage.

There are no special requirements. You can run a node on a personal computer, cloud server, or even low-power devices like a Raspberry Pi. The system supports Docker on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

KYC: No KYC is required to join. Contributions are tracked via wallet address. However, identity verification may be needed later to claim mainnet rewards.

Nodes per Device: There’s no strict limit on the number of nodes per device, as each node is individually measured by the NOC for uptime, traffic, and performance. However, for regular full core testnet participation, only one node is allowed per email, account, or wallet.

How It Works

When someone joins the Alpha Testnet, they run a Datagram node that connects to the test network. This node contributes resources like compute power, bandwidth, and uptime. The network tracks these contributions through the Network Operations Center (NOC), which monitors the performance of each node in real time.

The node’s performance is measured across several key metrics, including availability, actual traffic handled, and responsiveness. Based on these metrics, participants earn points that reflect their level of contribution to the testnet.

These points are not tradable or usable as tokens but will be recorded and associated with each participant's identity. When the mainnet launches, these points will be converted or honored in the form of $DGRAM tokens or other early-access benefits.